High-school writing prompts often ask students to provide overly simplified responses to complicated issues, but a person's stance in the real world can rarely, if ever, be reduced to "agree or disagree." Arguments are complex, with more than two points of view and a range of evidence to consider; however, writing classes don't always embrace that complexity. Real Writing: Modernizing the Old School Essay contends that engaging fully with complex texts and difficult, nuanced arguments helps students become better thinkers and writers, more fully prepared for life both in and after high school.
By offering students current texts to read and issues to discuss, teachers introduce their students to more complex arguments. Real Writing: Modernizing the Old School Essay recognizes the value of various types of texts, but the need for contemporary readings in our literature and composition classes is important for relevancy related to student engagement, the Common Core State Standards, and participation in our democratic society. This book shares curricular moves to engage students in reading and writing authentic arguments.
Industry Reviews
"In Real Writing, five teachers invite you into a conversation about writing essays: how complex and unique and beautifully crafted they can be. These wise teachers show that joy and rigor are dependent on curiosity-in students and in teachers-as their own critical thinking about teaching is made visible. You will find much to think about here. Enjoy this important journey." -- Penny Kittle, English teacher and author of Write Beside Them
"Real Writing: Modernizing the Old School Essay makes the bold arguments that our students will become more engaged in the art of composing and that they will develop identities as powerful essayists when they are encouraged to produce real texts for authentic audiences and purposes. As English teachers, we need to heed their call; today's youth have so many valuable contributions to make to the larger world of ideas and it is our professional and moral responsibility to cultivate and affirm their unique and beautiful voices. Towards this noble end, the authors have presented us with an honest and thoughtful guide to revolutionizing the teaching of writing in the age of digital participatory culture. Essays, they remind us, are key artifacts in the manifestation of civic society and the act of writing them an essential civil literacy. I am inspired by their words to become a better teacher and a more audacious and prolific composer myself." -- Ernest Morrell, Professor of Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
"Pity the essay. Few forms carry the stigma of school writing like that thing we call the "essay," particularly in its 5-paragraph form. Yet in the wild, the essayist tradition of exploration and argument amuses and delights, finding its place in magazines, short films, civic arguments, and cultural criticism of all types. It is the very medium of thought. The authors of Real Writing: Modernizing the Old School Essay urge us to liberate the essay from the constraints we as teachers artificially place on it so that it take up the passion and complexity that makes it worth reading and, for students, makes it worth writing. That's what they have done, and in this practical and readable book they show us how we can do it as well." -- Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, National Writing Project
"Real Writing: Modernizing the Old School Essay is an accessible and eye-opening book. It reminds educators why the essay is so much more than a boring formality today. Instead, through practical examples and hands on activities, Real Writing reveals how to make composition vital and necessary in our classrooms. Challenging what writing looks like, who it's for, and how to make it more impactful than any formulaic five-paragraph example could ever hope, Real Writing is a call-to-arms for instructors everywhere; it guides us to take a solid look at what just might be the secret weapon for student engagement in our classrooms today." -- Antero Garcia, Antero Garcia, Assistant Professor of English, Colorado State University
